But that doesn't stop the Scarlet Knight from firing up the 40,000 fans who fill Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick. His job is not an easy one. Whereas other mascots can rely on the team's gifted athletes to inspire awe with their play, the Knight does not have much of a supporting cast. With the aid of a flimsy sword, a couple of brews and some hot blow-up dolls, the Knight defends the Rutgers honor each week. He chewed the fat with Playboy.com about chewing tobacco with the players, getting bodyslammed by opposing mascots and the temptation of leaving school early to go pro.

Playboy.com: How do you get pumped up before a game?

Scarlet Knight: I do a little tailgating, get a few beers in me. I don't go into the stadium until game time, so I'm usually pretty geared up.

PB: The costume doesn't get in the way of drinking beer?

SK: It wasn't designed for drinking, but you make do.

PB: Do you shoulder some of the blame for Rutgers' losing ways?

SK: I feel the pain every time we lose, but I think I hold my own. The costume has a lot to do with who wins the mascot battle, and sometimes my big feet put me at a disadvantage.

PB: In theory, a knight should be able to defeat a furry tiger or a giant bee.

SK: Yeah, or a duck.

PB: You ever end up slugging it out with the other mascot?

SK: I had a little incident with the West Virginia Mountaineer, who's dressed like Davy Crockett and carries around a musket. He bodyslammed me and knocked the wind out of me. He thought it was pretty funny, but I wasn't too happy.

PB: What did you do?

SK: I walked away. He's a big guy, and I was on his side of the field. Later on, I got a little backup, took a running start and took him out.

PB: With what?

SK: My shoulder. I have a sword, but it doesn't really do much -- it's kind of flimsy. We're investing in a new one, one that will serve me better in battle.

PB: It must be hard for the players to witness their mascot get bodyslammed.

SK: Yeah, it's heartbreaking. Especially when the team is getting killed to begin with.

PB: Is job security a concern for you?

SK: I'm pretty confident I've got the position for this year. I know the ropes and have some good ideas about getting the crowd excited.

PB: Like what?

SK: I've got some blow-up dolls....

PB: Yeah?

SK: Yeah. I throw a jersey on them and beat 'em up, toss 'em around the crowd.

PB: Have you had much experience with blow-up dolls?

SK: I'll plead the Fifth.

PB: What's your signature move?

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